Chapter twenty-four

Sarah woke the next morning with Richie’s solid form behind her, not wrapped around her like usual. She missed his chest pressed against her back, but he was there.

Slowly she turned to her belly to see him on his back, him arm lazily draped over his abdomen like he had only fallen away  from her, his other arm was above his pillow.

Carefully she reached up and rested her head on his shoulder, her face in his neck. She could smell his masculine fragrance; again it went straight to the pit of her belly as she closed her eyes.

A few comfortable minutes later, Sarah started craving some breakfast. Richie was still fast asleep, it was his week off, she didn’t want to disturb him and let him rest. Carefully she pushed herself up, careful not to arouse him, she sat up in bed. She pulled up the sheets to snuggly cover him up and got up.

Even though it was much warmer than it had been in Europe, Sarah quietly pulled open the top drawer of his dresser. Although she knew it was rude to do so, she started looking for boxers to wear, this time she didn’t mind if they weren’t new.

At the back of the drawer, she surprisingly found a few silk ones, unlike the plain cottons ones, these had prints. She picked one out to see and laughed at the print, reading “the man” with an arrow up and “the legend” with another arrow pointing to the crotch. With a chuckle she put it away again. There were a few more that made her chuckle until she finally decided what to wear.



In the kitchen she rummaged through the fridge, she was again surprised when she found it was fully stocked with every possible thing. She found bacon, eggs, garlic and some vegetables.

On the top shelf she found yogurts, picking out a strawberry one, she closed the fridge again and looked in almost every cupboard and shelf to find everything she needed to prepare breakfast. She peeled of the lid off her yogurt’s container to eat while she cooked, before she starved.



Richie woke up to the smell of coffee, he loved a good cup of coffee in the morning and the aroma had him craving it.

Noticing Sarah wasn’t next to him, he assumed she was making the coffee and, did he smell bacon? He got up, ran a hand through his hair, scratching the back of his head and made his way downstairs to the kitchen where he found Sarah in front of the stove.

She hadn’t heard him come in yet so he took his time to check out the figure of her backside, her long blonde hair between her shoulder blades, her back and her perfect waist. When he looked down at her ass, he recognized the boxers she was wearing, full of yellow smiley faces wearing headphones. He couldn’t remember how he got them but she looked gorgeous in them.

“Good morning.” He finally decided to announce his presence.
Sarah looked back over her shoulder. “Morning.” She smiled back at him.

He liked her in his kitchen, he wouldn’t mind having her there every day, more accurately, he wanted her in his house every day, just to be with him. His face cleared up like he had a brilliant idea. Was that what he wanted? Have her with him, his house, every day? That would mean living together. He shook his head, that’s not slow.

“Need any help?” He asked instead.
“No, almost done, just sit down.” She answered him as she emptied her pan.

Richie sat down at the table, already finding that cup of coffee he wanted waiting for him. Sarah brought plates over to the table and sat down across of him.

“I hope you like omelets like that.” The last few weeks she had learned what he liked for breakfast but she hadn’t seen him have omelets like hers.

Looking down at his place, he couldn’t wait to dig in, it looked mouthwatering. The eggs had cut up pieces of tomatoes and peppers looking so crisp, along with the bacon, he picked up his knife and fork.

“I’m sure I’ll love this.” He said before he took his first bite. He was right, he loved this, why didn’t he know she could cook like this? “This is amazing.” He said as he filled his fork again, the vegetables tasted as good as they looked and he definitely tasted garlic too.

“Thanks, I’m glad you like it.” She smiled at him, relieved that he really liked it. She picked up one of her pieces of bacon and thought for a second.

“Actually, this is the first time I’m not having maple bacon on the first of July.” She said.
Richie looked up. “First of July?” He was a little confused.
“It’s Canada day today.” Sarah explained. “My mum is Canadian.” She added when his confused expression didn’t change, now it lit up.
“So you do Canadian things today?” He wondered if her family had traditions.
Sarah shrugged. “Maple bacon for breakfast and poutine for supper.”
“What’s poutine?”
Sarah shook her head, he had been to Canada more times than she had and he didn’t know it. “I’ll have to make it tonight.” Sarah told him, knowing he’d like it.



“Is Ava staying with you this week?” Sarah asked when they finished cleaning up the kitchen.
“Just the weekend, still hours before I go pick her up.”

Sarah chuckled, the way he said hours, seemed like he thought it was still morning.

“Have you looked at a clock today?” She asked him.

Confused Richie looked around for a clock, noticing it was almost noon. “Oh.” He said. “We slept long.”
“You were tired so I let you sleep.” Sarah smiled at him as Richie wrapped his arms around her.

“So do you think you can drive me home later?”
The words were like a punch to his stomach, he didn’t want her to leave. “When I pick Ava up, does that work?” He still wanted to spend the afternoon with her before saying goodbye, he just didn’t want to, he wanted her with him, it felt nicer.
“That’s fine. My mum makes the best poutine, maybe Ava likes it too.” She suggested.
Richie looked down at her, waiting for the undisguised invitation.
Sarah looked up at him. “Would you and Ava like to come over for dinner?” She asked.
“We’d love that.” Richie bent down for a quick kiss.



They unpacked Richie’s bag in his room, not bothering to put the bag away again and clothes went to the laundry room to be washed.

Sarah’s bag got picked up when they were on their way out to Richie’s car. He put the bag in the trunk while Sarah got in.



A few minutes later, they parked  in a street. On each side there stood tall trees with behind them, houses with huge front lawns. There were a few children playing on the side walk but much too young for Ava.

“Where is Ava?” She turned to Richie as he got his phone out.
“She's with her friend.” He pointed to the house they  were parked in front.
“Don't you have to go knock?” She asked confused.
Richie chuckled. “Can’t do that now that she’s in high school, it embarrasses her.”
“Oh. I’ve never picked up Caleb and Noah, anywhere for that matter.” She said a little somber.

He felt bad for her; he loved picking up Ava even though he had to wait in his car for her.

“They  might like it if you do it now.” He was sure the boys would see it as a step forward too.
“I can’t.”
It disappointed him a little when she said it, he was convinced she could. “Why not?”
“I don’t have a car.”
“Oh.” It was his turn to be surprised.

Then he realized she hadn’t driven anywhere and he didn’t remember seeing a car parked outside her house.

“I can go with you.” He suggested.
“Yeah, maybe.” She agreed.
“Maybe you  can pick them up from school when school starts again. Where do they go?” Maybe he even knew where it was.
“Can I say I’ve never been there without being a bad mother?”
“You’re not a bad mother.” He looked down at his phone when it vibrated, Ava was on her way.



A few minutes later Ava walked out of the big house, she said goodbye to her friends and walked to the car alone.

“Missed you daddy.”  She said as she dropped her bag in the backseat and got in.
“I missed you too Princess.” He looked over his shoulder, still making sure she wore her seatbelt.
“Hey Sarah, how are you?” Ava asked just as happily.
“I’m good, how are you?” She liked Ava’s friendliness and politeness.
“Oh I’m great.” She smiled.



He parked the car and got Sarah’s bag from the trunk, together they walked up to the front door where they waited for Sarah to open the door.

Sarah’s front door opened right into the living room. Opposite of the door was the staircase and the rest of the room was the living room with the kitchen behind it.

As soon as she pushed the door open, surprised faces turned toward the door, not expecting anyone. Before Sarah was fully in the room, she was already being hugged.

“I missed you mum.”
She hugged him back. “I missed you too boy.”



Richie and Ava were invited in and after a quick, “you remember…”  Ava went to watch tv with Sarah’s sons while Sarah and Richie continued to the kitchen.

“Honey,” her mum said when she walked in, “you’re home.” She noticed Richie behind her. “And you brought that handsome man with you.” She smiled at Richie.
“I invited Richie and Ava for dinner. He doesn’t know what poutine is.”
Her mother started chuckling. “I’ll be sure to make plenty of extra.”
“Thanks Abbey” Richie smiled.



Sarah and her mother brought dinner to the table.

When Richie looked at the food on his plate, he thought it looked like a big mess.

“So what exactly is this?” He asked unsure of eating it.
“It’s fries, gravy and cheese.” Caleb pitched in, popping a few fries into his mouth. “It’s the best.”

Richie chuckled and tried it.



He loved spending time at Sarah’s house, her sons were fun but polite too and they got along well with Ava too. They had a weekend; maybe they could spend some more time together. He knew Sarah would like that. He should take them all out, now that Sarah had made so much progress, a whole new world opened up for her.

Chapter twenty-three

Monday morning Richie was off to the gym again, leaving Sarah alone in their room. She had asked if she could use his laptop and was currently browsing on YouTube.

She had typed in his name, curious at what she’d find. There were quite a few videos from the past concerts, watching from the crowd brought on a complete different point of view, wanting her to be in the crowd to experience how it was meant to be experienced.

Other videos showed him in the studio, goofing off a lot and she couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. He was cute and funny and she spent more time watching videos labeled BJTV.

She was still laughing when Richie walked in, unnoticed by her.

“What’s so funny?” He asked.
A little startled Sarah looked up at him. “You.”

He looked at her confused, wondering what she was talking about while he walked over to her.

“I’m watching videos of you in the studio; I think it’s from a while ago.” She explained as Richie looked over her shoulder.
“Yeah, that’s about ten years ago.” He agreed with her.
“Do you always have that much fun in the studio?" Sarah continued to ask.
“Pretty much.” He smiled, remembering the moments. “You have to come hang out when we’re recording.” He suggested.



After Richie’s shower they had to get ready to leave again. Tomorrow was another concert in yet another city.

So far Sarah had enjoyed it, mostly because she could be with Richie, everything still seemed better with him around but she should go back to her own life, she still had her own things she needed to do, figure out a job or something else to do. Her family, her sons, she needed to see them too. Her time with Richie was amazing and all she wanted but in a few days they’d be home and what would happen then?

They joined the rest of the band on the plane to Bristol; inside the United Kingdom the flights weren’t very long.



Their last plane ride with the whole band brought them to Dublin. Even though Ireland was one of the countries Sarah wanted to visit, the two of them were at the airport an hour after the concert was over.

With Richie around Sarah was much more comfortable at a busy airport. Checking in went much easier than when she was alone and afterwards they got to wait in a private lounge. There were only three other people with them in the room.

The couch they sat on was very comfortable. Sarah was touched when Richie took her hand and held it in his lap. Soon it would be the two of them, with much less people to worry about. Worry, should she tell him about what she wanted to know, how would he react? No, he would agree, he’d like the idea. It wouldn’t be her original plan but it would still be close and just as good for her, she knew that and he would agree.

“What are you thinking about?”

She turned her head towards the left and saw Richie with a wondering look on his beautiful face. “Nothing.” She quickly said.
“Seemed like you were doing some deep thinking.” He tried again, hoping she would tell him anyway, instead of worrying herself.
“Really, nothing.” She tried to assure him that nothing was wrong.
“Okay, but tell me if it’s something bad.” His worrying made her smile.
“I promise it’s nothing bad.”

It didn’t really convince him but he decided not to worry more about it. If she needed to tell him, she would, at least he hoped so.

Not much longer they were called to start boarding the plane. It was well past midnight and the flight wasn’t very busy.

They easily found their seats and as usual Richie sat by the window, which was still fine by Sarah. She followed him and sat down with an appreciative sigh, the seats in business class were definitely worth the money.

“I’m gonna fall asleep as soon as we are in the air.” Richie said as he relaxed into his comfortable seat.
“I couldn’t sleep when I flow over.” She didn’t think she’d be able to sleep this time either.
“You slept on the Jovi jet.” He pointed out.
“It’s not as noisy there.” Sarah told him.

The engines were always noisy enough to be heard but on their private jet it seemed quieter and easier to relax.

“We’ll see, maybe I can get your to relax enough. I learned some thing during all my years of flying.” He smiled comforting at her, he’d feel bad if he slept and she wouldn’t be able.
“You learned some things? Like what?” She asked a little confused about he possibly could have learned.
“I love flying but Jon’s chicken shit.” He smiled again before continuing. “Our flight attendants used to help him relax. I’m sure I still know some things.”
“Really? You can just sleep ‘till we get there.” She suggested

Richie just shook his head and held her hand as they watched the safety instruction video.



An hour later he was still holding her hand while they watched a movie on their tiny screens. He stuck to his decision, if she wasn’t going to sleep, he wasn’t going to either, even though he was tired, at home he could sleep with her.

The plane was dark except for the essential lighting that illuminated the path. Almost everyone in the cabin was asleep, snoring rather than talking.

“What are you doing on the fourth?” Sarah asked after a while, their movie had brought her an idea.
Other than going out with you, he thought, but decided to see where she’d go. “I don’t really have plans, why?”
“Maybe we can go out, watch the fireworks or something.” She suggested a little unsure.
“Are you asking me out on a date?” He teased and watched Sarah blush, then smile a little.
“I just want to watch the fireworks with you.” She still sounded a little uneasy about asking him.
“Of course we can watch the fireworks together.” He finally answered and a feeling of relief washed over Sarah, making all uncertain feelings disappear.
She knew he didn’t avoid the question to be difficult but to help her.



Sarah was watching the little plane that represented them on the little screen in front of her, next to her, Richie was listening to some music. The animated little plane was moving so slowly but at least they were above the United States now, just a few more hours until they would land.

Richie was almost asleep while listening to the music, according to the time on Sarah’s screen it was almost 6 in the morning in the UK, at home on the other hand it would be 10 at night. He was exhausted and wanted to sleep, it was only three more hours now.

He turned the music off and put his headphones away, then twisted in his seat so he could face Sarah and took her hand so she was turned to him too.

She could see how tired he was and wondered why he wouldn’t just go to sleep.

“You have to sleep.” She told him.
“So should you.” He still insisted.
“I can’t, it’s too noisy.” The passengers might be quiet but the engines definitely weren’t.
“Try?” He asked gently, almost pleading.

Sarah sighed and reached for her blanket, got it out it’s plastic wrap, it was big enough so she could tuck it around him and it still had space for her.

She pulled the blanket over her own shoulder after she had tucked him in. Under the blanket she found his hand to hold again, his eyes looked so tired.

“Close your eyes.” Richie told her.
“You’re the one that needs sleep, close your eyes.” Sarah said back.
“Just close your eyes.” He insisted. “Try to relax, think of a relaxing place and concentrate on deep slow breaths.” He instructed.
“Richie, just go to sleep.”
“No, I want to sleep with you. Try it.”

Sarah sighed again and finally closed her eyes and did as he had instructed. She imagined them being in his comfortable bad, with his solid form behind her, his arms around her in a tight embrace. It was the most perfect place she could imagine. Soon, she could feel his grip on her hand loosen, assuring her he was asleep.



She woke up to a soft tap on her shoulder, followed by, “We’ll be landing shortly.”
Sarah nodded and woke up fully.

Richie’s hand had slipped away while they slept and carefully she moved to sit up so she wouldn’t disturb him yet.

He looked peaceful and relaxed, making her regret she had to wake him.

How was she even going to do that? Softly, of course, gently.

Carefully she reached out her hand and caressed his cheek, already she could feel a light scruff; making her finger tips tingle just like the pit inside her belly.

He stirred at her touch but didn’t wake up.

“Sweetie, we’re landing, you need to wake up.” She whispered close to his lips as she leaned into him and continued stroking his jaw, enjoying the feel of the scruff against her fingers. “Honey?” She tried again, he must have been really tired to sleep this deep.

Finally she could feel a rumble against her hand as he moaned and at last opened his eyes.

Seeing how close she was, he leaned in for a short kiss. “We there yet?” He asked a little disorientated.
“We’ll be landing in a few minutes.” She answered his question.



Not much later they were sitting in a taxi, Richie gave the address to the driver and sat back. He pulled Sarah close next to him.
“Can you just stay over at my house? I’ll drive you home in the morning.” He was too tired to drive her home and this time he wanted to sleep with her in his arms.



The drive wasn’t very long in the middle of the night.

Richie left their bags by the front door and lead Sarah up to his bedroom.

He undressed to his boxers and watched Sarah take off her jeans and was a little disappointed when she pulled her bra from under her t-shirt.

He pulled away the sheets for Sarah and got in on his side of the bed. As soon as he laid down he pulled the sheets over them both and wrapped his arms around her. “Good night.” He whispered, ready to go back to sleep.

Chapter twenty-two

London was an amazing city according to Sarah, one she always wanted to visit and see the sights of but she knew they probably wouldn’t have time for all those things today but they could always come back later when they weren’t touring.

“What do you really want to see in London?” Richie had asked the night before on the plane to the capital.
“The palace, I’d really like to see that.” Sarah answered him with something that was at the top of her list, she could remember that much of it.
“I’m sure we can manage a trip to the palace.” He thought out loud.
“I’d really like fish & chips too.” She added.
“We can find that anywhere, no worries.” He assured her.

He knew they had that all over the country, every restaurant served it, probably even at room service.

For the rest of the flight Sarah had settled herself against him and relaxed.



In the morning they were up early, what was considered early while being on tour, 10 am.

As soon as Richie got out of bed, he grabbed his phone to text.

“Isn’t it too early to phone people?” Half the time they slept until noon too.
“Management is always up.” Richie answered her.

She didn’t like bothering people when they could still be sleeping.

“You wanted to go see the palace so I need someone to help arrange it.” He explained as he sent off his text.
“Can’t we just go?” She asked confused.
Richie sat down on the bed again. “We can’t, I don’t even know where it is, much less how to get there.”
“We can get a map.” She tried.
“People need to know where we are.” He tried to explain and looked up when his phone buzzed again.
“So basically you need a babysitter?”
“Oh she teases!” Richie laughed.

He read his text and turned back to her.

“Someone can drive us in an hour.” He told her.
“That’s enough time to get ready and have breakfast.” Sarah agreed.



An hour later they stepped out of their room, ready to go.

“That’s nice timing Richie.” Jon came out of his room with his camera in his hands. “Smile.” He told them and took a picture.
“Man, you’re getting worse than a paparazzo.” Richie joked. “Where are you going?”
“Just around the hotel, need to practice, he smiled.
“Where are your crutches?” Sarah asked.

Jon looked up at her; she usually didn’t talk much to them. A little surprised he answered, “I’m fine without them.”
“You really shouldn’t do that; keep the pressure off your knee.” Sarah insisted.

Richie turned to Sarah again, looking down at her, he loved what she was doing, she really should go through with her plans. “Turning into Doctor Matthews again?” He teased her gently.
“Doctor Matthews?” Jon asked confused.

Riche turned back to him to explain. “Sarah was going to medical school but things worked out differently.”
Sarah nodded, confirming what Richie said.
“Really?” He asked surprised. “I didn’t know that.”

“We should go.” Richie said, trying to make their escape.
“Where are you going?” Jon asked interested.
“Seeing the palace.” Sarah answered quickly with a smile.
“That’d be nice for photos but I want the hotel.” Jon said, he just didn’t want to walk that far.

Sarah and Richie made their way to the elevator hand in hand to go downstairs when Richie heard the camera again.

“Turning into a paparazzo!” He shouted back without turning around.



They stood by a fountain in front of the palace, looking at the building in front of them from a short distance.

“How many rooms do you think there’d be?” Sarah wondered.
“A lot, I just hope she has more than one cleaning lady.” He answered.
“Imagine there’s only one, poor girl.” Sarah sighed.
Richie chuckled.

After a minute they walked closer to the gates for a better look at the building.

“Those are the guards that aren’t allowed to move, aren’t they?” Sarah asked when she noticed two guards in their traditional outfit by the doors.
“Yeah, they’re fun but you can’t get to them two.” Richie complained.
“Are you one of those people that try to aggravate them?” She just knew he would be.
Richie smiled guiltily.

They walked along the length of the palace, viewing the whole building before returning to the fountain where Sarah noticed coins on the bottom and pointed them out to Richie.

He reached into his pocket and gave her a coin. “You should make a wish.” He suggested.
“I don’t know what to wish for.” Sarah shrugged.
“Happiness.”
“I have happiness.”
“Love?”
“I already have you, silly.” She squeezed his hand.

He bent down to kiss her, “right, you do.”

“I know what to wish for.” Sarah decided a few seconds later.

She flipped the coin into the air, making it splash in the water, she watched it go until it reached the bottom.

“What did you wish for?” Richie asked curiously.
“It won’t come true if I tell you.” She answered smartly.
“I know what you wished for.” He said convinced that he knew.
“I’m not telling you.” Sarah insisted.
“Okay, fine.” Richie sighed and gave up.

He took her hand and walked her around the fountain back to the steps where they sat down again. Sitting down right next to her, he wrapped his arm around her waist as Sarah rested her head on shoulder. They enjoyed their peaceful moment a little while longer; it was a nice day to just sit around.

“Did you see the palace?” He asked after a few more minutes of looking at the long building.
“Yeah, I think so.” Sarah answered.
“Want to go back to the hotel?” Richie suggested.
“Can we find a souvenir store first?” She wanted to buy a few things first.
“Sure we can.” He agreed, getting up to give her a hand and help her up.

They found a little store a few streets away and walked inside. The store was small and they had to be careful when they turned around so they wouldn’t knock anything over.

In the back Sarah found t-shirts.

“I like this one.” She pointed to a red t-shirt high on the wall. “What’s your size?”
“Large or extra large. Are you buying me something?” He asked.
“If you like it.” She said hopeful that he would like it too.
“I do,” he confirmed, “it’d be fun for the party tonight.”
“Party?” Sarah asked surprised.
“Didn’t I tell you? Tonight’s concert is part of a festival so there’s a party afterwards with everyone that performed.” He explained to her.
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you.”



In front of the hotel they ran into Jon again, who was quick to snap a picture of them.

“Trying to remember every second?” Richie asked, he didn’t mind the photos, he thought it was getting funny.
“Doing my best.” Jon answered with a smile and raised his camera for another photo, Richie ignored him and walked past him into the hotel.



Sarah dressed in all her new clothes for the concert, making sure she looked nice for him.

“Will it be a lot busier?” She asked when she walked out of the bathroom, still preferring to dress in private.
“It will be but you still get to sit by my guitars.” He assured her of that, hoping it would help her.
“What about the party?” The party had her more nervous than the concert itself, it would be so busy, so many people that would talk to Richie and therefore with her too, it made her nervous.
“I’m not sure where it is.” He thought out loud again. “It will be busy but it’ll be just like with group therapy, I’ll be right next to you.” He took his former promise back up.
“Good.” She nodded, still nervous about it. “So, what do you think?” She showed him her outfit for the evening.
Richie walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist loosely. “I like it, maybe I like what is underneath it even more.” He teased.

He got a few things together to put in his bag for after the concert, mainly his clean clothes to change into later, this time they would actually have a dressing room. Usually in Europe they arrived, performed and left. He didn’t forget the t-shirt Sarah had bought him earlier that day, wanting to wear it to the party.



They had dinner at the venue, backstage where Richie shared dressing room with the rest of his band members except Jon.

Especially for Sarah someone from the crew had gotten her fish and chips, making the rest want it too so the poor guy had to go out and get more.

Now they sat in the dressing room on the few couches, eating fish and chips out of take-away cardboard boxes.

After a while of wondering, Sarah finally asked her question. “How come Jon isn’t here.”
“We kicked him out.” Richie smiled but honest.
“Way too grumpy.” David agreed.
“We let him think it’s because he’s the lead singer though, so don’t tell him.” Richie quickly added.
“Really?” Sarah asked confused, sure they were joking.
“Really, he gets so stressed and grumpy, one time we told him to get his own room and he went for it.” Richie explained how it went.
“So he sits there all alone?” Now she felt bad for him.
“Yeah but he’s much more relaxed when we go on stage.” Richie said.
“You don’t want to know what he does in there.” David shook his head in thought, a little disgusted.



As usual the concert was amazing; they seemed to play with even more energy and passion than at the other shows. Sarah absolutely loved every moment of it. She was starting to love the music and was glad when they played songs they hadn’t played before yet.

This concert seemed longer than the others they had played but Sarah didn’t mind, she loved watching Richie play. He looked so passionate and happy. She couldn’t deny he looked sexy too, especially his arms while he played his guitars. The faces he made while being caught up in the moment made her think of what they did in bed.



When the band left for the final time, Sarah got up and found her way to the back of the stage where Richie was pulling off his shirt.

He smiled when he noticed her. “Hey.”
“Hi.” She answered, walking closer to him.
“I gotta shower.” He said, throwing his shirt over his shoulder.

Together they followed the rest to their dressing room.

Sarah sat down on one of the couches while the men in the room showered and changed, seeing more body parts than she wanted to see. They were all wearing towels but Richie was the one she felt comfortable with.

“That a new t-shirt Rich?”

Sarah chuckled; she didn’t think men complimented each other on their clothing too.

“Yeah, Sarah bought it for me earlier.” He smiled at David, he really liked his new t-shirt.
“Didn’t Jon have one like it?” David asked again.
“I think so,” Richie thought, “but I look better.”

He started packing again and a few minutes later he sat down next to Sarah again.

“Ready to go?” He asked but started wondering if he was ready to go. He hadn’t been to a party since before rehab. He knew he wasn’t going to drink but how long would it take before he got irritated with that fact and wanted out? Everyone around him would be drinking.



He was glad to be able to introduce Sarah as his girlfriend to everyone he talked to. As did Sarah, she loved hearing “My girlfriend, Sarah.”. As he had promised, Richie didn’t let go of her and kept her right next to him the entire time.

After an hour of talking he guided Sarah to a table, ordering some food. There wasn’t much but every place had to have burgers and fries, or being in England, fish & chips, he didn’t mind having the same thing twice in one day and along with an order for glasses of water, he started his second dinner with Sarah.

Afterwards Richie left Sarah alone, sure her ankle could use some more rest other than that she might have had enough of talking to people by now.

“Want a drink?” Was what he heard coming from all sides, everywhere. People were buying someone else drinks or asking him.

He declined every time but it was getting harder to say no and it was starting to aggravate him. Hadn’t it been all over the news? People asked him about rehab, he even told them that’s how he met Sarah, why were they still offering him drinks? It was making him frustrated and wanting to leave, to get out of the temptation and be away from it, it was driving him crazy.

With an annoyed, very irritated sigh he declined the next drink that was offered to him.



“This sucks, can we go?” He sat down next to Sarah in the booth with an even more annoyed huge sigh.
“Why, what’s wrong?” She asked, even though she was sure she knew why, she’d been though it too.
“They’re all annoying me.” Was his annoyed answer.
“Sweetheart,” she started, making Richie looked up at her with hope clear on his face, “someone told me that hiding doesn’t help.”
Richie sighed as Sarah moved closer to him, putting her arm around his back.
“Just listen to your t-shirt.” She advised him.
He smiled and looked down, reading the words ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ “Is that why you bought it?” He wondered.
“Sort of.” She admitted, it had only been part of her intention, she had a feeling something like this might happen.

He picked up his glass of water. “The cool people with water.” He said a little gloomy.
“Alcohol doesn’t make you cool” Sarah reminded him.
“Yeah, that’s true,” he agreed, “thanks.”

He knew he couldn’t back down on his own advice he had given Sarah, he shouldn’t just leave, he had to stick it out.

Sarah’s arm around him, made him feel perfectly at ease, letting her comfort him as he leaned back against her.

Again he heard a camera snap, after years of fame, he could always hear them.

“Just become my stalker already.” Richie said, knowing it was Jon yet again.
“Stop making such picture perfect moments then.” Was Jon’s comeback.
“I know it’s just because you think I’m hot.” Richie teased.

Jon put his camera down on the table and sat down across of them, just then a waiter took their empty glasses.

“Refill?” He asked.
“Yeah, just water.” Richie answered, still a little gloomy.
“Me too.” Jon pitched in.

Richie gave him a confused look, he loved wine, why was he drinking water at a party.

“Painkillers, man.”
“Oh, right.” Richie remembered.

Jon continuously asked if Richie he was okay, knowing it might be difficult for him to be at a party where people were getting drunk. He was glad he could stick by his friend and most of all he was glad his girlfriend did so too, knowing Sarah really cared for him.

When Sarah yawned, Richie took his chance to call it a night. He finished his glass of water and said good night to everyone on his way out with Sarah.

He was glad they hadn’t left early, he finally started enjoying himself when he sat down and people came over to their table to talk and didn’t offer drinks anymore.

He gave Sarah a hand to help her in the car and got in on the other side, sliding closer to her.

“I’m proud of you.” Sarah told him.
Richie smiled, he was proud of himself too. “Thanks.”

He pulled her even closer against him, thankful he had her by his side.

Chapter twenty-one

Sarah woke up on Richie’s chest, she could feel his hand still on her back, her nightie had moved up while she slept.

Sleepily, she rubbed her cheeks against him, he smelled so good.

It was still early, it was still dark outside, too early to be up and she was sure Richie was still sleeping. She softly kissed him and pushed herself up off his chest.

Her weight pushing down on him woke him up.

“What are you doing?” He asked confused, holding his hand at her back.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you this early.” She apologize, looking over the clock, it was a little past 5 am.
Richie looked in the same direction. “I know I said I’d take you to a castle but this is a little early.” He joked.
“I’m sorry.” She said again.
“But I know what we can do until then.” He growled and wrapped his arms around her and rolled her to her back.

He watched her for a second before bending down to kiss her. His tongue immediately slid into her mouth.

Sarah moaned against his lips.

Richie lied down next to her so he wasn’t too much above her, knowing it would make her uncomfortable. His wrists were resting next to her arms, his hands softly stroking her shoulders.

Sarah’s hands rose to his shoulders and started stroking his skin too.

His lips found hers again and captured them in a sweet kiss.

Richie sat back up and pulled Sarah with him. He carefully lifted her short silk night dress up and pulled it up and over her, seeing all her naked skin in front of him. Making him bent down to kiss her again, trailing a path down her neck, lingering at the spot he by now knew she loved to have kissed.

When Sarah’s head fell back he let go of the soft skin of her neck and moved on to the even softer skin of her breasts. Suckling and teasing each nipple in time.

Sarah’s hands disappeared in his dark hair, holding him there before she moved to his shoulders and back. She couldn’t quite reach his ass and with a reluctant moan she pushed him away then reached for his boxers to pull them down.

Richie moved to take his boxers off and kick them off the bed, then leaned in to Sarah again, but she didn’t let him, instead she pushed him to his back.

When he lied down, she crawled on top of him, lying on him, chest to chest.

Richie pushed the hair that had tumbled down over her shoulders back and wrapped his arms around her as he leaned in to kiss her again. His hands were exploring every part of her back, to her ass, where he carefully lifted her hips up and guided his dick inside her.

Sarah leaned up a little, pushing her hips down on him, making him reach deeper inside of her. The strokes of his dick against her walls, made her orgasm approach fast. She tightened unintentionally around him and Richie sped up the speeds, giving Sarah an even more pleasurable feeling until she couldn’t hold on any longer and buried her face in his neck, kissing him as her orgasm washed over her and she tightened even tighter around him, making Richie groan loudly as he found his release too.

Sarah didn’t move away and continued kissing his neck.

Richie held her hips down, not letting her go.

After a while he felt her kisses fading, he looked down and noticed she was asleep again. He wrapped his arms around her waist and closed his eyes to go back to sleep too.



A few hours later Richie was the one to wake up first. He noticed the warm, soft and wet around his dick and remembered what they had done a few hours ago and started kissing Sarah awake.

She moaned and opened her eyes.

He noticed a little of surprise in her eyes and started stroking his hands up and down her back again.

Sarah pushed her hips down, holding him in place; he was either still hard or hard again.

Richie started slowly moving in and out of her, making Sarah twitch.

“You okay?” He asked.
“It just feels so good.” She said and continued kissing his neck, like she had before she fell asleep.
“That feels good too.” He said at the sensation of her kisses in his neck.

He held her hips down on him and started thrusting faster.

“Oh Richie.” She gasped as his strokes went faster and deeper. “More.” She gasped again.

Richie was all too willing to oblige and held her still as he thrusted again, making Sarah gasp again, he was starting to like that a lot.

“Oh.”

His thrusts were making him approach his orgasm faster, hoping Sarah was there with him he thrusted hard into her again as he shot his sperm inside her when Sarah tensed around the base of him.

“Oh god.” She almost screamed as she climaxed.

She relaxed on top of him and Richie slowly slipped out of her, kissing her again.

“Are you going to turn into a screamer now?” He teased even though he liked it.
“Sorry.” Had she been too loud? Would someone have heard?
“Oh no, I like it,” he said quickly, “a lot.”
“Yeah?” Sarah asked uncertain.
“It’s really hot.”
Sarah chuckled a little less nervous about it.



They stayed in bed, close together until Richie’s phone started buzzing, he reached out, tapped the screen and read what the message said.

“Jon asks if we’re up.”
“We are.” Sarah answered.

When his phone buzzed again, he read again.

“He wants to know if we want to go see some castle before sound check with him.”
“We were going anyway, so why not? Sarah asked.
“You don’t mind?” Richie asked.
“Of course not, it’ll be fun.” She said confident.
“Okay, I’ll tell him.”

He typed an answer and put his phone away again.

“We better get ready then.” He turned to Sarah.



An hour later they stood in the court yard of a castle, looking up at the walls around them. The medieval history about it all was very interesting.

In a corner they found a staircase up the wall.

On the wall they had an amazing view of everything around them.

“You coming, man?” Richie teased Jon who was still making his way up.

Richie turned around again and looked out as he pulled Sarah closer and put his arm around her waist. “Beautiful isn’t it?” He asked.
“It really is.” Sarah leaned back against his shoulder.

A second later he heard a camera snapping pictures behind them.

Richie looked over his free shoulder and saw Jon standing there with his camera. He smiled and turned back to Sarah.

Jon hobbled around and sat down in one of the chairs, looking out over the scenery.

Richie decided to move out of the way and took Sarah’s hand as he walked over to some of the canons.

On the side of one he found a date.

“Wow, these are really old, think they still work?” He asked Sarah.
“Just put it on fire, isn’t it?” Sarah asked.
Richie shrugged. “I think so.”
“Then it must still work.” She shrugged too.

“Rich!”

He looked up to where the sound came from.

“Smile.” Jon ordered.

Richie smiled goofily and posed for Jon to take a picture, making Sarah laugh.

“Think you can do a decent one too?” Jon asked after he had taken his picture.

“Come on I’ll help you up here.” Richie said to Sarah as he patted the canon.

He helped her up so she could sit and stood next to her to pose for another photo.

Sarah softly tapped his shoulder after the first photo.

Richie looked up and was surprised when Sarah caught his lips for a sweet kiss.

“Perfect.” Jon smiled down at the image on his camera’s screen.

They explored more of the castle while Jon took pictures of them and the scenery around them, it was beautiful and hopefully the pictures would show that too.



Around noon they went to a small restaurant near the castle for lunch.

While they ate their food Jon and Richie started talking about the concert later that day, the songs they’d play and how cold and rainy it looked outside, hoping it wouldn’t rain during the show.

When Richie pointed out a concert a few months ago, Sarah had no idea what he was talking about.

“It was pouring rain in Sydney last December and we were all getting soaking wet, Jon told the fans it was like taking a shower with his closest friends.” Richie explained. “You should have heard the crowd scream but that was really cold so hopefully it doesn’t rain tonight.”

Sarah leaned in to him and whispered in his ear. “I can warm you up afterwards.”

A knowing smile curled on his lips.

Chapter twenty

Like I could not post it, but seriously I'd love more comments

They shared a peaceful and quiet breakfast, letting the words from earlier sink in.

“Do you still want to go shopping?” Richie asked as he cleaned up the table.
“I don’t have much money but I’d like to.” Sarah said.

Richie smiled, did she really think that? He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m taking you shopping which means I’m paying.” He said softly.
She looked up at him. “You already bought me an expensive bikini and that underwear was probably expensive too.” She said.
“I like to buy you pretty things. Maybe a pretty diamond necklace.” He teased.
“Richie, no, that’s too much.” She said quickly, surprised at his gesture.
“Okay, just pretty clothes then.” He smiled and hugged her, letting Sarah wrap her arms around him.

They shared an embrace for a few minutes.

“I love you.” Richie said for good measure.
“I know, I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for.” He said, tilting her head for a short kiss.
“I love you too.”

As Richie let her go again, he spotted her bra strap dropping from under her t-shirt. He reached out to put it back in place.

“Want me to adjust the straps?” He asked
Sarah smiled at him. “If you want to.”

She turned around, Richie lifted up her t-shirt to her shoulders and made the straps tighter.

He noticed the bruises were mostly all gone now. Maybe she would like to know too, he still held up her t-shirt as he said, “Your bruises are almost all gone,” close to her ear, and then kissed her shoulder.

Sarah shivered at the sensation and slumped her shoulders at the relaxing feeling.

Richie’s lips didn’t move away from her skin and kissed a path across to her other shoulder.

This time Sarah moaned. “We were going shopping.” She said.
“Right.” He answered and placed one more kiss in the middle of her shoulder blades and put her t-shirt back down. “Are you ready to go?” He asked.
Sarah turned around to meet him. “All ready.”



Hours later, they found themselves in a mall near the city.

So far he had talked Sarah into buying two t-shirts, at least it were v-necks, so he was happy with that too.

“I haven’t seen you in a skirt.” He thought out loud.
“I don’t own a skirt or a dress.” She said.
“We should fix that then.” Richie said, already starting his way to another clothing store.

Sarah was holding his hand and was being pulled along to another store.

Once inside, Richie found a few skirts and dresses.

“Can we start with skirts?” Sarah asked uncertain about it, her legs were too pale for something short.
“Yeah.” He walked back to where they had seen skirts.

From the rack he picked out a knee length, red skirt.

“That’s really bright.” She said a little uncertain again, the color was fiery, bright red.
“Is it?” He asked, it looked fine to him.

Sarah looked for another red colored, less bright piece of clothing and held it next to the skirt he was holding.

“That’s less bright?” He asked, he didn’t see a difference.
“You seriously don’t see it?” She asked worried that something might be wrong.
“Honey, relax, I’m colorblind.” He said calming with a smile.
“What? Oh my God, that was so rude of me. I’m so sorry.” She quickly apologized.
Richie chuckled. “Don’t worry.” He waved it off. “So this is too bright red?” He asked to be sure.
“You know it’s red?” Sarah asked even more confused.
“Isn’t it?” He asked now confused too.
“Yes it is. So if you don’t see it as red, what is it?” She asked interested now.
“You’d call it dark brown.” He hung the skirt back on the rack.
“Then what does brown look like?” She asked, still interested.
“Brown, just don’t put red and brown next to each other.” He half joked.

Sarah started looking through the racks herself, asking him more questions about colors.

Finally Sarah picked out a denim skirt, shorter than the one Richie had been holding.

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s shorter.” He pointed out.
“I know.”
“Want to try it on?”



Sarah invited him in to the changing room and changed in to the skirt. It reached above her knees and he loved how it hugged the top of her thighs.

“I like it.” He concluded.
“Me too.” She agreed.

Richie noticed the tag on the waistband on the back of the skirt and reached for it, quickly reading the price, if she kept picking out cheap things, she was going to end up with more clothes than she could wear.

He wrapped his arms around her and looked in the mirror. “You look pretty.” He said. “I love your legs.”
Sarah smiled again. “It’s nice.”
“We better hurry and buy it then.” He urged.



They found more clothes for Sarah until Richie asked if she still wanted underwear and nightwear and they were off to find a lingerie store.



They found a store only a few stores away from the one they just left.

It didn’t take long for Sarah to find something she likes, which was a surprise to both of them.

“How do you see green?” She asked excited, showing him the set.
“Also brown-ish.” He said.

That disappointed her, she wanted him to see it the same way she did.

Sarah looked around the store for more colors.

“How about blue?” She asked as she walked across the store to another rack.
“I like blue.” Richie said, following her, strangely she seemed more at ease than at the other clothing stores.
“But does it look like blue?”
“It does. Why does it matter?” He asked, in the other stores she hadn’t asked him.
“Because I want you to see the same as I do, you have to like it too.” Sarah explained for him.
“Well, I do like this.” Richie reached for the blue set Sarah had been looking at.

It was almost similar to the one she was already wearing. He held it as Sarah turned around again.

“Black and white?” She asked again.
“Look the same.” He answered; it was nice she was being considerate of his vision. No one had done that before.

Sarah spotted black lingerie, along with matching babydolls and picked one out.

“Do you like this?” She asked, looking at it again herself.

The straps were thing, the cups molded and had a grey floral print, the dress itself flowed down and was made entirely out of lace.

“I like it.” He said.

Sarah handed it to him and starting browsing through the bras.



“You don’t have shoes yet.” Richie pointed out as they left the store with another two bags, “to go with your skirt.”

Sarah thought about it, she needed shoes too? She kind of had let herself go in the lingerie store but she wanted to look pretty for him.

“I think I already spent enough of your money.”
“No, you haven’t, and look a shoe store.” He stretched his arm to point to the shoe store he had spotted.

He took her hand and walked over to the store. Of course he walked right over to the high heeled shoes, looking for something he’s like to see on her.

“I can’t wear these right now.” Sarah said, a little scared to disappoint him.
“If we buy them now, you have them for when you can.”

Sarah agreed and took the pair Richie was looking at. She found a chair and sat down to try on the right shoe, to at least have the correct size.

When she stood up she was a good few inches taller. She gave the pair to Richie to hold too.

“Maybe you need regular shoes too.” He advised. Hers were looking very worn out.
Looking down at her shoes, Sarah shrugged agreed. “I guess you’re right.”

A few minutes later Sarah had another pair of shoes on and did a short walk.

Richie watched her back, her behind, was she walking funny? It certainly looked like it. He looked up when Sarah stopped in front of him. “This pair too then.” He asked with a smile.

Sarah smiled back.



On the way back to the car, Richie checked his watch, surprised how late it was. The whole day had gone by without them knowing it. It was getting time to go to the restaurant instead of the castle they wanted to visit.

Richie dropped the shopping bags in the car’s trunk and gave Sarah a hand to get in the car, then asked the driver to find them a fancy restaurant.

Confused Sarah asked, “I thought we were going to a castle?”
“It’s almost six but we could go tomorrow morning.” He explained.



Like he had promised the night before, the restaurant was nicer than the one at the hotel.

The host brought them to a dimly lit table in the back and lighted the two tall candles that stood in the middle of the table.

Their waiter brought them menus and Richie declined the wine chart again. Sarah was glad he was doing good but she knew it would get harder.

Preparing their food took as long as the day before.

“Isn’t this better than yesterday?” Richie asked.
“It is, but I liked yesterday too.” Sarah said honestly, she didn’t mind it was less fancy.
“Now we have two candles though, upgrade.” He joked.

The food was exquisite and perfectly cooked.

“Do we have dessert too?” Sarah asked when their empty plates were brought away.
“Whatever you like.” He answer, picking up the menu again, he started reading desserts. “Chocolate cake?” He looked up at her with the question. “Chocolate mousse?” He looked up again and did so every time he read the next item.

Finally Sarah heard what she wanted and Richie ordered one so they could share.

As soon as the dessert arrived, Richie pulled the plate to him, picked up the spoon and scooped some up on the spoon and held it out for Sarah.

“You’re feeding me?” She chuckled nervously.
“Just go with it, it’s supposed to be romantic.”

Sarah chuckled again and reached in to take the bite. “Mmmm, that’s really good, you should try it.” She picked up the other spoon and held a bite out for him.
“That is good.” He agreed.



They managed to get back to the hotel before 10.

“You’re right, that was amazing.” Sarah plopped down on the bed, complete happy with the day they had together.
“We should do that again huh?” He asked.
“If you want to.” She started taking her shoes off and rubbing her ankle.
“Didn’t you like it?” Richie put down all the bags on the couch.
“I did.” She looked up at him.
“So we can do it again?”
Sarah nodded, a little painful look on her face.
“Is it hurting?” He asked, worried and walked over to her. “We walked too long, didn’t we?”
“Yeah, it just really started hurting now.”
“Lie down.”

Richie helped her to lie down and grabbed his pillows to raise her foot. He sat down next to her and reached for the phone, he needed pillows and Sarah needed an ice pack.

“I need to use the bathroom.” Sarah said when he put the phone away.
Turning to face her, he asked, “Can you walk?”
“It’s okay.” She sat up, waiting for him to move. “Can you get me that bag so I can change too?”

Richie stood up, held his hands out to help her up and took the small bag from the couch, handing it to her.

While Sarah was in the bathroom, room service arrived. He put his new pillows on the bed and the ice pack on the night stand.

In his bag he found a pair of boxers and changed in to them before getting in bed and waiting for Sarah to return.

As he relaxed against his pillows, the bathroom door opened and his jaw dropped.

“You look amazing.” He finally managed to say as Sarah got back in bed.
“All for you.” She smiled at him.
“Thanks, I love it and you.”
“I love you too.”

Sarah moved closer to him, snuggling against him and letting him wrap his arms around her, she closed her eyes.

Soon enough, she could feel his hand sneaking under her dress.

Chapter nineteen

Richie woke up next to Sarah, she was stretched out under the sheet, still asleep. Her arm was up next to her head, resting her cheek against her bicep. He watched her for a few minutes, like he always did, he liked to see her so relaxed and knowing she was naked under the sheet.

Carefully he lifted the sheet and peeked under. He loved her body, her long legs but not too long so she was still shorted than him. Her waistline, her belly, all up to her chest, all perfect according to him.

He let go of the sheet and looked up, also perfect and still asleep. He moved a little closer and turned to his side, letting a hand slide under the sheet, finding skin to touch. Another thing he loved about her, the feel of her skin, so soft.

Sarah stirred when his fingers started stroking over her side.

Richie watched her face closely to see if she was going to open her eyes or not.

After a minute or two Sarah did open her eyes and looked at Richie next to her, propped up on his elbow, smiling at her.

“Were you watching me sleep again?” She asked.
“Of course I was, you look pretty when you sleep.” He answered with a soft smile.

Sarah smiled back up at him.

Richie leaned down so he was leaning over her. When he kissed her, he rolled on top of her, chest to chest, resting on his elbows above her. Richie knew what he was doing.

As soon as he did, Sarah pulled away from his kiss, turning her face to the wall. Why was he doing this?

Softly, he stroked a finger over her jaw but Sarah pulled away from his touch.

“Sarah?” He asked gently, soothing.
“You know I don’t like this.” Sarah said in a very quiet, powerless voice.

Maybe she should have told him why she didn’t like it.

“Because Jonathan raped you this way.” Richie said gently as he watched Sarah press her eyes closed tightly but she couldn’t stop a tear from falling.

He felt horrible and knew it was his doing but she had to confront it and leave the past behind her.

“Then why are-?” Her voice cracked before she could go on.
Richie held on to her and rolled them both to their sides. “Because this is you and me. You need to burn Jonathan’s bridge.” He said just as gently. “I love you Sarah, that’s why he needs to go so your memories can stop haunting you.”

Sarah’s eyes were still closed but she wasn’t turning away anymore.

Richie reached out and wiped away the tears that had dropped from her eyes. “Open your eyes sweetie.” He said gently.
Sarah shook her head.

How could he do that, and then knowingly make it worse by saying it? She never wanted to hear his name, much less, be reminded about everything that had happened. Forgetting was one thing she couldn’t do and the thing she most wanted to do but so many things reminded her of everything.

“Please?” He added, stroking her jaw again.

Slowly, Sarah opened her eyes.

Richie saw the sadness that took away the bright emerald shine, he knew he had done that. “I love you.” He said softly, not knowing what else to say anymore. Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything at all but he could see the past was still hurting her. She had come a long way and he was proud of that but there was a long way to go too. He shouldn’t have said anything. What if he scared her off now?

If he loved her, why did he to that? If he knew it reminded her of rape, then why did he do it?

“As long as he’s in your memories, he’ll be there to remind you of it all. You need to burn that bridge so he can’t do that anymore.” He tried again.

Sarah still wouldn’t meet his eyes, she looked down at his chest, she didn’t want to see him right now.

Richie didn’t know what more to do; he only meant to help her move on. He didn’t say any more and watched her, waiting and hoping for a reaction. Hoping she’d understand he didn’t mean it in a bad way.

Why did he keep talking like he was there? Actually, physically there, it made her even more uncomfortable. She pulled the sheets up to her chin and tightly around her. She wanted to go put clothes on but she couldn’t or didn’t want to move, she was still figuring out what he meant.

Burning bridges, what did he mean? She couldn’t confront it, after ten years it was all still too real. Blocking it out was easier than getting past it and moving on.

Was that really what she needed to do?

“Do you still love me or did I fuck it up now?” He shouldn’t have said anything, should have kept his mouth shut.

She wasn’t ready and he was pushing her.

Sarah’s eyes flashed up at him, seeing regret in his eyes. “What?” How could he even think that? “Of course I still love you.”

As soon as she said it, she could see relief in his eyes. Would he really think her feelings would change so quickly.

Richie nodded softly, like he wasn’t sure yet.

“I do.” Sarah said.
“I just wanna help you, you need to work on this.” He said.
“I need to work on it?” She asked astonished.
“Yes, so you can accept it, leave it in the past and move on.” He continued.
“I need to accept? Maybe you need to accept…” She didn’t know what he should accept.
“What?” He asked defensively.
“Whatever you need to accept.” Picking up the sheet, she turned around, away from him.

Richie turned to his back with a big sigh. What the hell did just happen? Shouldn’t have said a thing, he thought.

Sarah wrapped the sheet around her and got up, pulling the whole sheet with her, leaving Richie naked in the bed as she went to the bathroom.

In the bathroom, Sarah closed the toilet lid and sat down.

How did he get to decide what she should do?

Richie got up and found some clothes, then phoned room service for breakfast, he was going to wait her out. He’d let her cool down, then see if he could explain what he meant to say, if she’d let him.



After ten minutes room service arrived and Richie set out the food on the table.

Once everything was set he went to knock on the bathroom door.

“Sarah?”
“Don’t you have something to go do or something?” She asked annoyed and angry.
“Yeah, shopping, visit some castle, maybe a restaurant later.” He said seriously.

Sarah didn’t answer him. Did he think he was being funny? After he told her to work on accepting and getting over her past, he thought he’d be funny?

She had accepted what happened, it had happened but she couldn’t forget it. It haunted her in the tiniest places. It was always there to remind her of everything  that had happened and everything he had done to her. She couldn’t forget.

“Sarah?” Sounded again a few minutes later.

Sarah still didn’t answer him, she was thinking about what he had said. She wished she could leave it in the past and move on.

“Sarah, I just don’t want you to be scared of me.” He said to the door.

Inside the bathroom Sarah stood up with her sheet and walked to the door.

“I don’t want you to think of him when we’re together.” He continued. “I don’t think that’s selfish, is it?” He asked.

When she didn’t answer, he added, “right, you’re not talking to me,” and lowered himself to the floor to sit against the door.

Without either of them knowing, Sarah did the same on the other side of the door.

“In fact, I don’t want you to ever think about him.” Richie sighed.

So did Sarah.

“I don’t want you to think of those things, you’ve been through enough.”

Tears started to form in her eyes again.

“I want you to forget so he can’t hurt you anymore.” He added.
“I can’t.” She finally said something, again, her voice sounded very low and weak.
“Yes you can, by replacing those memories by good ones. That’s why I did it, so you’d see me, not him.” He finally got to explain his actions.

Richie could hear her sob inside; he sighed. “Honey, I want to hold you right now.”

Sarah scrambled to her feet and opened the door, making Richie tumble backwards.

He quickly moved to stand up and wrap his arms around her. “I’m so sorry sweetie. I shouldn't have done that, I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't stick to you pace, I’m sorry.” He hugged her tight.

Sarah sobbed against him.

“Tell me what to do to make it better?” He asked gently

Sarah shook her head and wrapped her arms around him. That was all she wanted.

Chapter eighteen

“So where do you want to go?” Richie asked, he was starting to get hungry.
Sarah looked up at him from the view of the city, not knowing what he was asking.
“What restaurant? Do you want to go out out or the hotel’s restaurant?” He clarified his question.


She thought about it, they could leave the hotel but then there would be that chance someone recognize him. In fact she’d rather stay in their room but she knew Richie wouldn’t and she couldn’t always sit in their hotel room. At the hotel’s restaurant there might be less of a chance of Richie being recognized, which would be nicer for both of them. They also wouldn’t have to drive to get there.

“The hotel.” She finally decided.
“Okay, I’m gonna go get ready.” He got up from his seat out on the terrace and went inside.

That gave Sarah the hint that she should too, she got up and followed him in.

In the room she bent to pick up her bag and started looking for clothes to wear but everything she picked out, wasn’t what she wanted.

“I don’t have anything nice.” Sarah complained.
Richie looked up from where he was standing. “We’ll go shopping tomorrow.” He said.
“Then I still don’t have anything nice for tonight.” She picked up the first pieces of clothing in her reach. “See, I don’t even have nice underwear.”
Richie raised an eyebrow.

She didn’t really know why she was complaining, she had always felt comfortable in what she had but now she wanted to look pretty. Now she had someone to look pretty for. She wanted to look nice for him.

“You want pretty underwear?” He asked, stepping over to his own bag and kneeling down.
“I know, we’ll get some tomorrow.” Sarah answered; it still didn’t solve her problem now.

Richie stood up with a pink plastic bag in his hands.

“What’s that?” Sarah asked when he turned around.
“I bought you something last week.” He handed the package over.
“What did you buy?” She asked a little uneasy.
“You’ll have to see and find out.” He answered.

Sarah nodded and took the tissue paper wrapped item out of the plastic bag. She placed it on the bed in front of her and carefully unfolded the paper, making Richie nervous that she was taking her time. What if she didn’t like it?

She carefully lifted the last piece of folded over paper.

It was driving Richie crazy, she was taking ages. He watched her face to see her exact expression for surprise.

“You got me underwear?” She asked a little confused but more surprised.
“I saw it last week and thought you’d look really good in it.” He answered. “You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to.” He added quickly.

She held up the bra in front of her. The cups were made out of black silk, with a red lace rim on the tops. “It’s really nice.” She said as she put it back down and picked up the panties, glad it were panties. They were made the same way as the bra, black silk and red lace. “I like it.” She said and put it back down to find the rest of her clothes.

She wasn’t as bothered anymore about what she should wear. She picked up her jeans and that slightly too tight red t-shirts, along with her new underwear and excused herself to the bathroom.

He was a little disappointed he didn’t get to see her put it on but was relieved that she liked it. He finished getting dressed and picked up the phone to phone room service.



“Richie?” Came a few minutes later from the bathroom.

He followed the sound and opened the door.

“Can you do the straps for me?” She knew she could just take it off and do it herself but after their afternoon she thought he would like to do it.

Richie adjusted the straps and took a step back, hoping she’d turn around and show it to him.

Sarah reached for her t-shirt and put it on, then turned around.

“Aw, I don’t get to see it?” He asked disappointed.
“Later.” She reached in to kiss him.
“I’m gonna hold you to that.” He wrapped his arms around her to hold her.
“I hope so.” She looked up at him.

He had been so patient and sweet with her and after their talk and shower that made her feel even more attracted to him.

He smiled down at her, slowly, he reminded himself. He knew she wouldn’t change overnight; he didn’t want her to change. Sex would be nice but it sounded like he was getting that later. He just had to keep her pace. It took a lot during their shower not to pick her up and carry her to the bed or push her against the wet, tiled wall. He couldn’t do that, he’d freak the shit out of her and that would only make her close herself off again.

“Lets go find food.” Richie broke their few close minutes.



Only ten minutes later they were down in the restaurant. Unlike most hotel restaurants, it actually looked very charming.

At their table they had the candles lightened and the menu given to them.

“Do you want to see our wine chart sir?” Their waiter directed his question to Richie.
“No, thanks, we’re good.” He politely declined.
“I’ll be back to take your order.” The waiter said and walked away.



A good forty-five minutes later their food finally arrived.

After they both took their first bite, it was definitely worth the wait.

They sat in a quiet corner of the restaurant with a little tea light in the middle of their table, their drinks in wine glasses.

“I like this.” Sarah said after a few more bites.
“The food?” He asked.
“Yeah, that too but I meant all of it. Look at our little candle, isn’t it romantic?”
Richie chuckled. “One little candle? You’re easy.” He teased.
“Well it’s a lot more than I ever got.” She explained.
“When we go to a nicer restaurant, I’ll show you romantic.” He promised. He could do a lot better than at a hotel restaurant.

After dinner they ordered their desserts, luckily that didn’t take as long as their main course.



Two hours after they first arrived at the restaurant, they were ready to go at just a little past 8pm.

They had talked about what they could do tomorrow but Richie didn’t forget that Sarah might want to be a tourist. In the hotel lobby they found a bunch of information brochures about places nearby that they could visit, he’d let Sarah pick something. Then maybe they could go after they went shopping which would make tomorrow a busy day.

“I really liked dinner.” Sarah said once they were alone in the elevator.
“Yeah? I can do much more romantic though.” He assured her.
“But I like simple too.” Sarah said.
“But you deserve much more.” Richie added.
She didn’t know what to say to that and kept quiet.
Richie turned to look at her. “I mean it.” He said.
“I know you do.” Sarah answered him.

He turned her around to face him and kissed her just as the elevator doors opened.

“Come on, I’ll show you romantic.” He took her hand and started walking.
“How?” Sarah asked him confused but followed.
“See for yourself.” He unlocked the door and pushed it open.
“It’s dark.” Sarah said when all she saw was a dark room.
“I know. Close your eyes.” He ordered gently.

He watched her close her eyes and started his task.

Sarah wondered why he was walking around the room. When she heard matches being lit, she put the pieces together.

“Okay, open your eyes.”
She heard him say it from behind her, as she opened her eyes she felt his arms wrap around her waist and his chin rest on her shoulder.

She saw little candles all around the room, creating a little shimmer in the room. He was right, it was a lot more romantic.

“Beautiful.” She said as she turned around in his arms. “I still don’t know how I got this lucky.”
“It was long overdue so it was about time.”

Maybe he was right about that, she reached up to kiss him, moving her hands to his chest.

His hand snaked under the back of her t-shirt, feeling smooth skin. His hands moved higher as he thought of what she was wearing underneath her t-shirt. He liked how she looked in her t-shirt because it was tight he could see her perfect figure.

Their kiss broke to breath; the five inches of space between them gave Richie the chance to pull her t-shirt up.

Sarah raised her arms and let him take it off and drop it on the floor next to them.

Richie watched her for a few seconds; he knew she’d look beautiful. The sight made his dick jump inside his jeans.

Sarah moved closer to him and unbuttoned the first button of his shirt followed by the second so now the first four buttons were open, she slid her hand inside his shirt.

Richie unbuttoned the last few buttons and took his shirt off, while Sarah’s hands moved over his chest, playing with his chest hair, feeling his skin.

His own hands moved lower to unbutton her jeans; he wanted to see the whole outfit she was wearing.

Sarah let go of his chest and grabbed his hands to put them back on her back. She wrapped her hands around his neck and reached in to kiss him.

He pushed her lips apart, letting his tongue dangle with hers, his hands still at the small of her back. When he remembered her jeans were loose now, he dipped his hands in, letting them rest on her ass and pulled her closer against him.

Sarah could feel the evidence of his turn on now pressed against her.

When he let her go, he walked her to the bed, pulled the sheets away and let her lay down.

Sarah moved to the middle of the bed, making space for Richie to get in too.

He got on the bed next to her and moved over her to reach in for another kiss.

“Don’t do that.” She looked up at him above her.
“Right, sorry.” He moved back to her side.

He had a feeling he knew why she didn’t like that. Instead he pulled her to her side like last time. He raised a hand to cup her breast. He still wanted to see the whole thing and let his hand trail down to her hip as he kissed her.

Inside her jeans he could feel the lace, followed by silk, followed by damp silk fabric.

Sarah moaned at his touch and pressed against him.

Richie pulled his hand back and started pulling her jeans down, dropping them to the floor. She looked just like he had imagined. It made his jeans even tighter, so tight he had to take them off.

After dropping his own jeans to the floor too, he sat on his knees next to Sarah who was moving to sit up. He watched her face to see what she was going to do.

Sarah kept her eyes on his, and then slowly trailed down over his chest and belly to his groin. He was big, she knew that much.

Richie turned around so he could lean against the headboards.

She laid her hand on his knee and slowly stroked up his thigh. When she reached the top and was close to his groin, his dick jerked. Instead she let go and pulled her hand away.

Wondering if she was going to do more, he looked up at her.

She took a second, a breath and reached her hand out. Holding it against his dick before wrapping it closed around him, making Richie groan. Her hand felt warm around him, and soft.

His head fell back against the headboard when Sarah’s hand moved down.

She watched his face while her hand went up and down again. He looked very relaxed and seemed to be enjoying it. She watched him swallow slowly; he opened his eyes, then wrapped his hand around hers and stopped her movements.

“What? Is it not g-”
He stopped her before she could finish. “It’s so good that I might spontaneously explode again.” He said as he moved his hands to the red lace of her panties, he reached back in to kiss her.

He started pulling at her panties but because she was sitting it didn’t help much.

Sarah got the hind and moved so he could finally get them down and off.

Richie grabbed her hips firmly and moved her to sit between his thighs, her legs on either side of him, his dick right in front of her. Now that she was so close to him he reached for her velvet covered breasts. “You look very beautiful.” He said as his fingers slid in to her bra.

She leaned in and kissed him again.

Because of her change of position she could feel his dick pressing against her lower abdomen. She leaned her head back as he started kissing her neck. She could feel his hands move in between them and one between her legs.

His kisses went lower to her breasts. Richie’s fingers found a way between her legs, finding wet skin.

Sarah jerked as he touched her clitoris.

He made his movements soft and slow, loving it when she started to mean and rock against his hand, he kissed her neck again.

“Wanna lay down?” He asked gently.
She shook her head. “No.”
“How are you going-” He stopped when she pushed her chest against him, making his hand clamp between them.
“Just… Oh God.” She rocked her hips against his hand. “Richie.” She gasped.

He watched every move she made, how her chest was heaving, how she rocked against his hand and his dick. He had to stop her before he had his own climax.

Gently, he moved his free hand to her hip, stilling her motions.

When she was still, he pulled away his hand and started to run it up and down his dick.

“Wanna lay down now?” Richie asked again.
Sarah shook her head again. “No.”

She moved closer to him and raised her hips. She felt Richie’s other hand grab her hip and move with her as he guided his dick inside her.

He groaned when she slid down, she felt even wetter than last time.

Sarah gasped when she was all the way down.

“You okay?” He asked.
Finally she nodded to one of his questions. “Yeah, you’re really big.”

She softly rocked against him.

It wasn’t going to take much to make him cum now.

To steady herself she grabbed on to his shoulders and started rocking faster.

Richie let go of her hips and went up to her bra, pulling the silk down to meet her skin with his lips.

His lips felt so soft, she pushed her chest closer to him, making it easier for him to reach her.

He reached behind her back and unhooked the clasp, pulling the garment away from her skin, throwing it away. Relieved, he could feel Sarah tighten around him, finally he could let go. He bent down to wrap his lips around a nipple. His hips bucked with the next rocking movement she made.

As her orgasm consumed her, Sarah leaned backwards, feeling his hips buck upwards one more time before she felt his cum pour inside her.

He reached for Sarah’s breast, she looked incredibly hot with her back arched, her chest pushed forward, breathing heavily.



When all the orgasmic sensations faded, she sat up and slumped against his chest.

Richie turned his head to kiss her cheek. “Love you.” He whispered.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulder, not letting go yet. “Love you too.”